In-form Irishman hopes to be third time lucky

Abu Dhabi: Having won three majors over the past 18 months, Padraig Harrington will be looking to swoop on the 'Falcon' Trophy on his third attempt in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Commenting on his goals for 2009, the current number five said, "I have got my winter programme set out and when I get to Abu Dhabi I'll be better set than I was last year."

"I think I am getting better. My swing is getting better, my striking is getting better and so I believe I can improve as a player," said Harrington, whose final day's play at Royal Birkdale saw the 37-year-old overcome challenges from both Greg Norman and Ian Poulter to become the first European golfer in over a century to retain the Claret Jug.

"I've done quite nicely in Abu Dhabi, I like the course and I do feel it's one I'm competitive on. I am focusing hard on my preparation and I think when I come to Abu Dhabi in January I'll be ready with my 'A' game. This year I'll be good to go," he said.

Highlighting the importance of the week he will be spending in Abu Dhabi, Harrington said, "It's a week I can actually enjoy as well as play competitive golf. I can work on my game as well as work on my fitness. It is an important week and a week I can actually look forward to after Christmas."

The Irishman also said he will be soaking in the developments in the emirate while his family enjoys the sun and the shopping.

"There's the Emirates Palace. I bring my family down. I work on my swing. There's the sunshine. My mum and wife will try to drag me to the gold souks but I am more interested in having a look at the infrastructure, the development in Abu Dhabi," he said.

Exciting

Sergio Garcia, the 2008 US Players' Champion, US Tour Championship runner-up and winner of this week's Castello Masters, said: "Playing in Abu Dhabi is always exciting. The course is fantastic, the competition is always very intense and everyone wants to start the year well to build momentum ahead of a long season."

"It's going to be a tough tournament but it's always a good start to the year and I really want a win to get the ball rolling on 2009," said the 28-year-old.

"Abu Dhabi itself is developing so quickly - barely a day goes by where Abu Dhabi is not mentioned doing something new and significant."